This thesis entitled Socio-Religious Movements in South Travancore (1806-
newline1956) makes an earnest attempt to trace the social inequalities, economic suppression
newlineand human right violation that existed in South Travancore. South Travancore society
newlinewas not based on the principles of social freedom and equality. The law that prevailed
newlinein the land was not equalitarian. The upper castes enjoyed exemption from the payment
newlineof land tax. The penal code was extremely severe as far as the lower castes were
newlineconcerned. The death penalty was imposed on them even for ordinary offences.
newlineSeveral obnoxious taxes were levied from them. The members of low castes had to pay
newlinea certain fee for the conduct of their marriages. Every occupational class had to pay
newlinesome cess or other to the state or do service without being remunerated. The use of
newlinepublic roads was forbidden to outcastes. Women belonged to lower castes were
newlineprevented from covering their bosom. The proper salutation from a female to persons of
newlinerank was to uncover the bosom. At this juncture the L.M.S missionaries who came here
newlinefor gospel service temporarily by setting aside their work and fought against the socioreligious
newlineevils. In addition they provided education to all irrespective of caste.
newlineAccording to their instigation the British and Travancore administrators introduced a
newlineseries of social and religious reforms. Abolition of slavery, removal of dress
newlinerestrictions, abolition of feudal levies were some important reforms introduced by them.
newlineThus the arrival of L.M.S. missionaries in South Travancore in 1806 created new epoch
newlinein Travancore history and caused the emergence of Socio-Religious Reform Movements
newlinein South Travancore. Through these movements such evils eradicated from the society.